Marion-Rochester health officials have a clear message for residents to avoid getting the flu this year - don’t vacillate, vaccinate.

A series of flu clinics are scheduled throughout the fall and winter. And for those who fear needles, Kathy Downey says there is a “painless alternative.”

Downey, a registered nurse for the health department, said the vaccine will be available as nasal mist for residents between the ages of 2 and 49 years of age and is also available as a shot for all residents over the age of 6 months.

On Thursday, Downey and Karen Welter, a Umass Dartmouth nursing student, administered shots and nasal spray mists at a clinic held in Rochester’s Council on Aging.

A steady stream of people came in during the two-hour clinic and Downey noted that Massachusetts has the highest flu immunization rate per capita of any state in the country.

The high rate doesn’t mean residents should not get a shot said Betsy Dunn, Rochester’s public health nurse. While the shots are available throughout flu season Dunn urged residents to get the vaccinations as soon as possible.

“It’s better to get the vaccine before flu season hits, which is usually in January but last year it came early in December,” said Dunn.

In addition to the flu vaccine, a limited supply of pneumonia vaccine will also be available. Dunn noted the health department is in the process of securing a shingles vaccine for interested residents.

Those attending the flu clinics are reminded to wear a short sleeve shirt and to bring all insurance and Medicare cards. Vaccinations will be given to all regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Transportation to the clinics can be arranged with the Council on Aging in each town.

Clinics will be held on Mondays, from 1 to 2 p.m., in the Marion Town House and on Fridays, from 10 to 11 a.m., in Rochester Town Hall Annex.

For information, call the Marion Board of Health at 508-748-3530 or the Rochester Board of Health at 508-763-5421.